Sheraton Vistana Villages

Re: JohnM's post above.

Vistana Villages has mandatory phases and voluntary phases for staroptions.

Bella and Key West are the ONLY mandatory phases - staroptions transfer with resale. ALL OTHER phases are voluntary. STAROPTIONS DO NOT TRANSFER ON RESALE in these phases. (any except Bella and Key West phases as noted above)

I just wanted to clarify so no one bought with mistaken expectations.

We just returned from a week long trip at The Villages. We own at two different resorts and trade frequently. We were disappointed by our recent stay. I confirmed with two different people to have a pull out bed ready for our late arrival so the kids could get to sleep. It was not there, along with the other items we had pre arranged (including the groceries for next morning's breakfast). 45 minutes and two phone calls later, the bed arrived. It was too late to determine the whereabouts of our food and other supplies we had arranged. We had to wait until the office was opened in the morning. They never did find our order for groceries, although I had a confirmation #. The construction noise was so loud at times, we couldn't hear the TV. The pool is old and dirty. We waited 45 minutes for a pizza in the grill while the rest of the family ate their food....we waited for a pizza that turned out to be not worth waiting for. But the part that was the most irritating was the "spring break" like attitude at the pool and grill. The kareoke was so loud one night at 10:30pm coming from across the pool that it was waking our kids. The Dj at the pool during the day had the speakers and microphone turned up so loud, if you were in your villa it was as if they were standing in our bathroom, singing. All this for the three lone people at the pool.... After spending hours at Disney the only thing we wanted to do at out villa was have a couple of hours of peace and quite and perhaps take a nap. This was all but possible. We will not be giving our options away for this one again...

This is an exceptional property and as others note, it is very convienient to Seaworld and other attractions. I love the pool complex.

As an owner of a resale unit at this property, thought I'd offer a point of clarification about what does and doesn't transfer with a resale. Having gone to a number of timeshare sales pitches, I find it is good to know all the key facts about their programs, since they may not be very forthright in telling you things that might not help their sale.

So, here's what you should know. Sheraton Vistanna Villages is considered a "mandatory" property, so upon resale, the "Staroptions" definitely do transfer to the new owner. What doesn't transfer is the "Starpoints". The difference is that Staroptions consist of points that you can use to exchange into other Starwood timeshare properties--including some fablulous Sheraton and Westin resorts. You can get a full week or book individual days at these timeshare properties using the Staroptions. It is confusing because although you get points (I get 67,100 per year), they are in the Staroptions program, not Starpoints program.

The "Starpoints" program is where you can convert your week of ownership to a certain amount of points in the Starwood hotel program that you can use to get rooms at their hotels.

In my opinion, not getting the option to have points to stay in their hotels is not much of a loss. The amount of the points you get for hotel stays is not that large, so is a poor value in my book. I think if you want to stay in their hotels you're better off getting the best price you can on the internet.

However, using the Staroptions is a great benefit and great value! I have used mine to book several short stays at many of their fine timeshare properties, getting far, far more value than what I paid in fees. I think this makes a resale at this property a great way to go.

So to summarize: Staroptions = use at Starwood timeshare properties. Resale owners can use this. Starpoints = use at Starwood hotels. Resale owners can not use this.

Note that the Sheraton Vistanna, which is a different property than the Vistanna Villages, is not a "mandatory" property, so you don't get either the Staroptions or Starpoints upon a resale. That's why the prices tend to be lower at that property.

My family has stayed at this resort many times as we are owners here dating back to 2003. This is a great resort, particularly if you are planning on visiting some of the theme parks, the closeness is second to none. I read some of the previous reviews and am glad that it was pointed out that the points do not transfer on the resales. This is true, but with the great prices here on Redweek, these deals should not be passed up. You will literally save thousands on a resale purchase. The Villages are newer than the Resort but the Resort has so much more to offer such as multiple huge pools as well as several restaurants on-site. The Villages continue to be developed and are offering more and more amentities. Either place is a great vacation stay.

We stayed a week in summer '05 on an RCI trade through my brother's timeshare ownership; I've never had such a luxurious vacation! We usually stay in budget hotels but at this resort, truly felt on vacation. I was so happy with our stay and proximity to all the activities/logistical needs (Sea World & Disney right down the road, Super Walmart and outlet mall around the corner).

Now we're looking into buying a timeshare unit there on resale (or at neighboring Vistana Resort - less expensive but the reviews indicate there might be a reason for that??). Appreciate everyone's honest reviews - it's challenging & more than a little scary to buy a timeshare sight unseen!